UFC 294: Islam Makhachev beats Alexander Volkanovski
In a thrilling rematch at UFC 294, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev reaffirmed his dominance in the octagon, successfully defending his title against Alexander Volkanovski with a first-round stoppage. The event, hosted in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, marked a dramatic chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two formidable fighters. It was a night of redemption for Makhachev, who had previously won a contentious unanimous decision against Volkanovski in their encounter at UFC 284 in February. Featherweight champion Volkanovski, hailing from Australia, accepted the challenge on just 11 days’ notice, a testament to his warrior spirit and commitment to the sport. He moved up to the lightweight division, typically 155 pounds (70.3kg), as a replacement for former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who had suffered an injury during training. The contest was nothing short of electrifying, and it proved to be a short-lived encounter. It took only 3 minutes and 6 seconds of the first round for Makhachev to seize the moment and clinch victory. The 31-year-old Russian fighter (25-1-0, five KOs) delivered a decisive head kick that brought Volkanovski (26-3, 13 KOs) to the canvas. From there, Makhachev rained down a barrage of strikes, leaving no room for Volkanovski to recover. Makhachev’s flawless execution was a testament to his exceptional training and preparation. In the post-fight interview, he credited his team, emphasising their rigorous training regimen and the strategic planning that had gone into the bout. He acknowledged that they had practiced various kicks during their preparations, including low kicks and body kicks, before transitioning to the decisive head kick. The victory held a special significance for Makhachev, as it brought closure to a rivalry that had ignited during their epic 155-pound championship bout at UFC 284. That previous bout had witnessed Makhachev prevailing by way of a controversial unanimous decision after a gruelling five rounds. The decision had divided opinions, with many feeling that Volkanovski had been wronged. Saturday’s rematch was a stark departure from the ambiguous decision of their earlier fight. Makhachev left no room for doubt, decisively outclassing Volkanovski. Volkanovski, in a moment of sportsmanship, admitted the superiority of his opponent, acknowledging that Makhachev’s strategy was impeccable. The 35-year-old Volkanovski, despite the loss, displayed immense courage and dignity in the face of defeat. He recognised the greatness of his adversary and displayed the humility that is a hallmark of true champions. Volkanovski’s willingness to step up to the challenge on short notice and fight at a higher weight class exemplified his commitment to the sport and his respect for his opponent. Makhachev’s win not only secured his place as the reigning lightweight champion but also elevated him to historic status within the UFC. His victory tied him for the third-longest win streak in the history of the organisation, a remarkable accomplishment that underscores his dominance in the lightweight division. With this victory, Makhachev has sent a resounding message to the entire MMA world. He has demonstrated that he is not just a champion by title but a champion in every sense of the word, displaying both the technical prowess and the mental fortitude that define the best in the sport. As the dust settles on UFC 294, it is clear that Islam Makhachev’s star is ascending in the MMA universe. His impressive win over a worthy adversary like Volkanovski solidifies his place at the top of the lightweight division. Fans and pundits can’t help but speculate about future matchups and potential challenges for the Russian champion. Makhachev’s performance has sparked discussions about possible contenders who could step into the octagon to test his mettle. With a win streak that rivals some of the greatest fighters in UFC history, Makhachev has cemented his reputation as a formidable force in the world of mixed martial arts. In the co-main event of UFC 294, the middleweight division witnessed another intense battle. Khamzat Chimaev faced off against Kamaru Usman, ultimately winning by a majority decision. This fight added to the excitement of the evening and showcased the depth of talent within the UFC roster. The victory by Chimaev, combined with Makhachev’s successful title defence, underscores the strength of Russian fighters in the UFC. UFC 294 will be remembered as an event that showcased the pinnacle of mixed martial arts. It featured high-stakes showdowns, fierce rivalries, and the indomitable spirit of fighters who leave it all in the octagon. As the MMA community reflects on this memorable night, it is clear that Islam Makhachev’s resounding victory will remain etched in the annals of UFC history. The fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski was not just a contest for the lightweight championship; it was a battle of wills, a test of character, and a showcase of true sportsmanship. In the end, it was Makhachev who emerged victorious, but both fighters left an indelible mark on the sport, reminding fans of the incredible athleticism and spirit that define mixed martial arts.
When And Where To Watch Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev?
If you’re a fan of MMA, you won’t want to miss the highly anticipated UFC 294 event set to take place in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 21. This event is headlined by a title fight rematch that has fight enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev are set to go toe-to-toe in a battle that could redefine the lightweight division. The Road to Rematch The road to this rematch has been anything but straightforward. Initially, Makhachev was slated to defend his title against former champ Charles Oliveira, but Oliveira pulled out just days before the event. This unforeseen turn of events opened the door for Volkanovski, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, to step up and seize an opportunity to make history. Chimaev vs. Usman: An Exciting Co-Main Event While the lightweight title fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski is undoubtedly the main attraction, the co-main event brings another intriguing matchup to the Octagon. Khamzat Chimaev, an unbeaten rising star with a record of 12-0 in MMA, takes on none other than former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Now, stepping into the middleweight division against Usman on just ten days’ notice, Chimaev has the opportunity to silence doubters and assert himself as more than just a prospect. On the other side of the Octagon, Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion, will be attempting to revitalise his career after two consecutive title fight losses to Leon Edwards. The pressure is on Usman as he finds himself an underdog against the rising Chimaev. It’s a momentous decision for Usman to venture into the middleweight division, and the outcome of this clash could have a significant impact on his future in the UFC. Debut Fighters to Watch Besides the main and co-main events, UFC 294 will also introduce two debut fighters, adding more excitement to an already stacked fight card. One of these debutants, Mohammad Yahya, is a United Arab Emirates native who will be competing in front of his home crowd. Yahya, the UAE Warriors lightweight champion, brings a five-fight winning streak to the Octagon and is set to face Trevor Peek, who has a record of 8-1 in MMA, on the preliminary card. Shara Magomedov, a 29-year-old Russian middleweight, is the second debutant, and he’ll be taking on Brazil’s Bruno Silva. Magomedov’s record is a spotless 11-0, and his reputation for quick victories precedes him. In his last outing, he secured an 8-second knockout win in December. The anticipation surrounding these debut fighters is palpable as they look to make their mark in the world of MMA. Betting Odds and More As with any major sporting event, betting odds have been set for the main card and the preliminary card fights. Let’s take a closer look at these odds and what they imply for the potential outcomes of the fights. Pay-per-view Main Card Betting Odds: Champ Islam Makhachev (-350) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (+205) This is the highly anticipated lightweight title fight, with Makhachev as the favourite. Khamzat Chimaev (-250) vs. Kamaru Usman (+200) A significant co-main event with Chimaev as the favourite. Magomed Ankalaev (-350) vs. Johnny Walker (+275): Ankalaev is favoured in the light heavyweight clash. Ikram Aliskerov (-470) vs. Warlley Alves (+360): Aliskerov is the clear favourite in the middleweight bout. Muin Gafurov (+180) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (-220) A bantamweight fight with Nurmagomedov as the favourite. ESPN+ Preliminary Card Betting Odds: Tim Elliott (+370) vs. Muhammad Mokaev (-485) A flyweight bout with Mokaev as the favourite. Trevor Peek (-125) vs. Mohammad Yahya (+105): a closely matched lightweight contest Javid Basharat (-425) vs. Victor Henry (+330): Basharat is the favourite in this bantamweight fight. Abu Azaitar (+145) vs. Sedriques Dumas (-175) A middleweight bout with Dumas as the favourite. Mike Breeden (+320) vs. Anshul Jubli (-410) Jubli is the favourite in this lightweight clash. Muhammad Naimov (+245) vs. Nathaniel Wood (305) A featherweight bout with Wood as the favourite. Victoria Dudakova (-395) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (+310): a women’s strawweight fight with Dudakova as the favourite. Shara Magomedov (-205) vs. Bruno Silva (+170): Magomedov is the favourite in this middleweight matchup. When and Where to Watch Now that you know what’s at stake and who the favourites are in the various matchups, the next question is how to watch this action-packed event. The UFC 294 main card is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming on ESPN+ as a pay-per-view event. The preliminary fights are set to commence at 10 a.m. ET and are also available on ESPN+. Fans in the UK can tune in to TNT Sports to catch all the action from UFC 294. The event is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, providing the perfect backdrop for these electrifying fights.
